Hu calls for prosperity of philosophy, social sciences

Chinese President Hu Jintao has called for prosperity of philosophy and social sciences in China to provide intellectual support for the country's development.

Hu, who is also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, said Friday that it's a major and pressing strategic task for China to develop and prosper philosophy and social sciences so as to provide a powerful ideological guarantee, mental driving force and intellectual support for the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Hu made the remarks when presiding over a group study of the CPC Central Committee's Political Bureau on how to develop and prosper philosophy and social sciences in China.

According to Hu, philosophy and social sciences are indispensable for China to achieve moderate prosperity, socialist modernization and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Marxism is the fundamental ideological guidance for the development of philosophy and social sciences, and it can ensure the correct direction for their development, Hu said.

All those who are engaged in the study of philosophy and socialsciences should integrate Marxism with their practices and make their own contribution to the further development of Marxism.

They should strive to make innovations with regard to academic views, subjects and research methods, he said, adding they should endeavor to develop philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics.

Hu also called on both Party and government departments at various levels to regularly consult philosophers and social scientists on major economic and social issues and apply their research findings in the decision-making process.

Source: Xinhua